Category Archives: Michelle Obama

The Official White House Christmas Tree is Delivered

Posted on November 28, 2010 | 1 comment

Delivery of the White House Christmas tree (Rod Lamkey/Getty Images)

The White House Christmas tree has been delivered! The Obama family shifted into Christmas gear Friday afternoon as the traditional horse-drawn wagon hauled in an 18 ½ foot Douglas fir, grown on a family’s farm in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Christopher Botek, the farm owner, brought his wife and two daughters to the White House as he presented this tree to the Obama family. He said he was honored to hand over the tree, caring on tradition, as his parents had presented the official White House Christmas tree from the same farm in 2006 during the George W. Bush administration. As the military band played the Christmas carol “O Christmas Tree,” Michelle Obama, and her two daughters, Sasha and Malia, were outside to receive the tree this year.  Check out the video of the ceremony below.

For this occasion, Malia Obama was dressed in skinny pants, a green blouse and black print blazer. Sasha, on the other hand, wore plaid tights paired with gray shorts, a gray and white striped blouse and black blazer. Do you like this mixture of patterns in Sasha’s outfit?

While her daughters dressed in these trendy fashions, Michelle went for a more classic look. Mrs. Obama was dressed camel trousers and a white, ruffled blouse gold Merino sequin crochet cardigan from J. Crew (available here.) While the 3 Obama women wore drastically different styles, all opted to wear the ever so classic ballet flats with their ensembles.

Do you think a love for fashion runs in the family?

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Posted in Malia Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, White House Christmas

President and Michelle Obama interview with Barbara Walters

Posted on November 27, 2010 | 2 comments

Barbara Walters interviews the Obamas (Official White House Photo/Peter Souza)

Last night, an interview of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sitting down in the White House with Barbara Walters was aired on ABC. Barbara Walters has been interviewing the First Ladies on the United Sates since former First Lady Pat Nixon. In this joint interview, the first couple was asked about their life in the White House. To view a complete video and transcript for this interview, click here.

(Official White House Photo/Peter Souza)

In part on the interview, Barbara Walters asked Michelle if she grew sick of all the talk about her “toned arms,” to which Mrs. Obama replied that she will never get sick of it, reassuring that she is still a normal woman, and still enjoys a compliment. It was exciting to see how Michelle even brought fashion into her response, by adding, “I still wear what I like and enjoy, and I thought this dress is pretty. And in fact, my, my husband, he liked this dress.” To which President Obama replied, “It’s a nice looking dress.”

For this interview, Michelle was dressed in a chocolate colored, pleated chiffon dress adorned with black, velvet trim. She accented this look with an Alex Bittar brooch at the collar and a thick, silver belt at her waistline.

What do you think about this look? Do you agree with President Obama, is this “a nice looking dress”?

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Posted in Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama

Michelle Obama: stylishly giving thanks

Posted on November 25, 2010 | Leave a comment


Yesterday afternoon, in celebration of Thanksgiving, the entire Obama family gave back to the community. President and First Lady Obama, along with daughters, Sasha and Malia, The family served turkey and stuffing to underprivileged children, youth and families at Martha’s Table, a food pantry located in downtown Washington, D.C. This is the same organization the Obama family volunteered for last Thanksgiving as well (see last year’s Thanksgiving outfit here).

Malia and Michelle Obama (Getty)

For this occasion of serving the community, Michelle opted to wear an ivory knit vest layered atop another long sleeve, ivory knit sweater. This is a rather interesting choice of apparel. If she wanted to layer, you would think she would have chosen two separate colors, right? However, the monochromatic look is indeed in this season (see here). Perhaps, the first lady was trying to be on the cutting edge of fashion, as she so often is. She paired these sweaters with a silk, lavender colored Prova  scarf (similar to a scarf she was seen wearing over her head in an Indonesian mosque here). The scarf was highlighted layered fringes of gunmetal beads and white pom poms.

Malia also chose one of this season’s trendy looks by layering a polka dot cardigan over a button down blouse, Love this look! If the mother and daughter were to battle it out in the fashion ring, who do you think would win? Malia has my vote!

What do you think about this layering of look? I love Malia’s ensemble, but is Michelle’s look a fashion hit or miss?

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Posted in Malia Obama, Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama back in the Orange Suit

Posted on November 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

First Lady Michelle Obama (Reuters)

Earlier this afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama made an appearance at Riverside Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia. At this appearance, the first lady discussed her new initiative to open 6,000 new salad bars in schools across the country within the next 3 years. This initiative is part of Michelle’s “Let’s Move” campaign, promoting healthy nutrition and exercise for children.

But, what did she wear to this event? She brought out her orange pantsuit again! She paired this suit with a striped, tulle top, (available here) and a vintage, flower brooch.  The blouse and suit were both designed by Jean Paul Gautier.

I know Jean Paul Gautier is a famous designer; however, I am not a fan of this look. Let’s find out what students on the Texas A&M University campus think about Michelle’s orange suit! According to freshman Skyler Herd, “It is in style! It is starting to be a new trend to wear all one color.” However, Jeff McCord disagrees, stating, “This orange is ugly. Why can’t she just stick to suits that normal people wear? It looks like she is just trying to stand out.” Finally, Renee Materne, when asked what she thought of this look, replied, “I don’ like it, but does it really matter? She is probably trying to dress the best she can, and doesn’t need anyone criticizing her, to each his own.”

What are your thoughts on this colorful ensemble?

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Posted in Faux Pas?, Let's Move Campaign, Michelle Obama

Serving the Troops on Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

Michelle Obama (Getty Images)

Mrs. Obama left the ten-day Asia tour today to head back to the United States. Could it be that the first lady is afraid of making another controversial fashion choice, like her head scarf worn yesterday? I think this is probably played a factor in her early departure. On her way back to the White House, she stopped in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany to speak to military personnel, as well as their families, at Ramstein Air Force Base. The first lady not only thanked these military troops in speech, but also by serving them a warm lunch.

For this occasion, Michelle Obama was dressed much more casually than she has been seen the past few days in Asia. She wore black slacks paired with an eggshell white tank top and floral cardigan. Her look is very laidback, yet perfect for this service opportunity. She shows that a woman can still look absolutely stylish while serving others.

To view a special Veteran’s Day announcement from First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, please watch the video below.

What are you doing to say thank you this Veterans Day?

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Posted in Jill Biden, Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama wears Head Scarf while touring Indonesian Mosque, has she gone too far?

Posted on November 10, 2010 | 4 comments

President and Michelle Obama tour Indonesian mosque (Jason Reed/Reuters)

This morning in Indonesia, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took a tour of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Michelle has been very respectful of the Indonesian culture while on this trip. Yesterday, when in a dress, Michelle chose to also wear loose-fitting trousers, covering her legs. Today, Mrs. Obama continues to honor the Indonesian traditions by wearing a loose-fitting pants suit, and even decided to throw on a head scarf!

While touring the mosque, Michelle Obama wore a yellow, matte jersey Stephen Burrows pant suit (previously seen worn this past July). She paired this suit with a custom head scarf, or hijab. However, Michelle’s head scarf has a little bit of stylish flair to spices up her look. This silk Prova scarf displays an animal print design and features 3 layers of fringing – teal material, gunmetal glass-beads and pale yellow pom-poms. With this ensemble, the first lady also wore stocking feet.

Michelle Obama (EPA)

Wow! I can understand the terms of “respecting” a culture, but if she was definitely not required to wear a head scarf. I do recall former First Lady Laura Bush wearing a head scarf at one point during the Bush administration, although it was presented to her as a gift. Michelle’s designer scarf was definitely not a gift, and while I do agree with her respect for the Indonesian culture, the hijab takes this just a little too far.

When students at Texas A&M University were asked what they thought about this head scarf, there were mixed emotions. Amber McAlister, a sophomore student, said that her fashion choices should be of no importance to Americans, but rather, we should only focus on her political views. Brett Parsons, a senior at A&M, disagreed by stating, “Her outfits represent America when she is overseas, and I don’t think she should have worn that. She can respect their customs, but she doesn’t have to join in.” Another senior, Lauren Stinson, also believed Mrs. Obama was in the wrong by wearing this head scarf.

Do you agree with Michelle Obama dressing in Indonesian customs? Yes, she has showed she respects their culture, but his this too much?

Let me know what you think!

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Posted in Faux Pas?, Michelle Obama, Obama Asia Tour

Michelle Obama: Mod and Modest in Indonesia

Posted on November 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

President and First Lady Obama with the President and First Lady of Indonesia (Jim Watson/Getty Images)

Earlier today, President and First Lady Obama arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, the world’s largest democracy, for a three-day visit. They began their day with a meeting of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono of Indonesia during an official arrival ceremony held at the State Palace Complex Istana Merdeka. After this meeting, the two presidents are expected to share a conversation about security and economic issues. Any ideas on what they first ladies will discuss?

For this first appearance in Indonesia, the lady looks magnificently stunning, while still respectful of the Indonesian culture. Michelle was dressed in a black and red patterned dress with pleating at the center of the waistline, a slenderizing look. Under this dress, she wore a pair of loose fitting, black trousers. If Michelle were wearing this garment in America, she would simply wear the dress alone; however, I think this pairing of pants with dresses is quite chic. I, myself, would be too afraid to wear this avant-garde fashion on the streets, but Michelle is much more daring with her style than I am. Hopefully, Michelle will bring this look back to the states! What do you think about it?

As far as President Obama goes, he definitely let me down with his outfit. He did not change from the same suit he was wearing this morning. Sadly, he did not even change his tie. His golden beige tie matched Michelle’s dress this morning, and it is a shame he did not switch into a red tie to match Mrs. Obama once again. After all, President Yudhoyono even chose a tie to match his wife’s blue dress.

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Posted in Foreign First Ladies, Michelle Obama, Obama Asia Tour, President Barack Obama

The Obamas are off to Indonesia

Posted on November 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

President and First Lady Obama (Getty Images)

After an event filled three days in India, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama boarded Air Force One this morning in route to Indonesia. The president and first lady are on a ten day Asia tour which includes these visits in India and Indonesia and is to be followed by stops in South Korea and Japan.

When boarding Air Force One, Mrs. Obama was dressed in an intricately designed beige frock. This dress featured lateral seaming, three quarter-length, raglan sleeves, and a lace up back. What’s the word for this dress? Slimming! Raglan sleeves give the shoulder frame a narrow appearance, while lateral seaming creates a long and lean silhouette for any figure. This dress looks fabulous on Michelle, as well as comfortable for a plane ride. She accented this simple colored dress by adding her bright, floral Alexis Bittar pin (available here), also worn yesterday, and a pair of matching kitten heels.

I usually do not mention the fashion choices of President Obama, as he normally sticks with his simple business suits for tours such as this. However, take a look at the president’s tie this morning. Perhaps he wanted to match Michelle today?

What do you think?

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Posted in Michelle Obama, Obama Asia Tour, President Barack Obama

Sparkling in Metallics at the Indian State Dinner

Posted on November 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

Indian State Dinner (Charles Dharapak/AP)

Tonight in India, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are attending the Indian State Dinner in New Delhi. The president and first lady are the honored guests of Pratibha Patil, the President of India, and her husband, Devisingh Patil.

For this state dinner event, Michelle chose to wear a floor-length, sparkling silver skirt paired with a golden blouse and belt. Mrs. Obama must know her fashion, because this mix of metallics is one of the hottest fashion trends this fall season. In addition to Michelle’s stunning outfit, notice how the President of India is also dressed in gold. Did the two women plan this?

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Posted in Foreign First Ladies, Michelle Obama, Obama Asia Tour

Keeping in Classy in India

Posted on November 8, 2010 | Leave a comment
Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama (B. Mathers/Reuters)

The president and lovely, first lady are already out and about today in India, beginning their third day of their ten-day Asia tour. After several events, including a dinner with the Prime Minister and First Lady of India yesterday, the couple began their day by visiting the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, located in New Delhi, India.

For this occasion Michelle Obama wore yet another Dries Van Noten design. She showcased her full, Dries Van Noten skirt (seen here) by pairing it with a simple, fitted black blouse and silver belt strapped across her waist. She accessorized this look with a floral, Alexis Bittar pin (available here).

The first lady looks fabulous in this style, simple and fitted. When you are not sure what to wear, it is always great to stick with the classics. A solid color, fitted top will never go out of style. Sometimes less really is more!

Bravo, Michelle!

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Posted in Michelle Obama, Obama Asia Tour